Suzanne Newton murder: suspect transferred to hospital

The 51-year-old man arrested yesterday on suspicion of the murder of Melksham woman Suzanne Newton is currently receiving hospital treatment.

Police had been searching for husband Richard Newton, after his car was found unattended at Brendon Common, Exmoor on Sunday.

The woman was confirmed this morning as Mrs Newton, in her forties, who worked for Calne-based employment agency Darren Guinness Associates, who was found dead at her home in Barnes Wallis Close in Bowerhill in the early hours of Sunday morning.

And after the search spread south following the discovery of his car, a blue Volkswagen Polo, the 51-year-old was arrested yesterday morning in Dulverton, Devon.

The man was taken to Taunton Police Station, he remains under arrest and is being guarded by police officers whilst in hospital after being assessed at the custody suite.

He is expected to be discharged in a few days and taken to Melksham Police Station for interview.

A post-mortem examination has taken place and the family of Mrs Newton have been informed.

Neighbours, meanwhile, have expressed their shock on the Bowerhill estate.

One neighbour said: "It's quite a shock for something like this to happen so close to where you live, it's usually quite quiet around here.

"I knew her to say hello to, she had a Jack Russell so I used to see her when she took it for walks.

"The first I knew about it was when I was woken up at about ten to eight by police banging on doors.

"When I opened my curtains I saw all the police outside.

"I knew it was something serious and not just a burglary because I saw the forensics tent."

Another added: "You wouldn't expect something like this around here, it's usually such a quiet area.

"It's quite scary really, it just shows you can never know who to trust."

Anyone with information as to the previous whereabouts of Mr Newton or who may have any information on this incident is asked to call Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800500111 where information can be left anonymously.